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The multiverse has been saved from the brink of destruction! With victory comes new possibilities, as the triumph of our heroes shakes loose the very fabric of time and space. From the ashes of Death Metal comes new life for the multiverse — and a glimpse into the unwritten worlds of tomorrow…

Future State: The Flash #1
Publisher: DC
Writer: Brandon Vietti
Artist: Dale Eaglesham
Colors: Mike Atiyeh
Letters: Steve Wands
Cover: Brandon Peterson

The Flash family is front and center as Future State shows us a glimpse of a possible DC Universe after the events of Death Metal. Now there’s several things about this story that just really help to kick-start this new era as we get to see that the Fastest Man Alive is no longer that. Barry, along with several other speedsters, are now depowered and utilizing the weapons of tactics of the Rogues to get the job done. This is one area where Vietti’s story shines, as we see heroes being heroes despite the odds. Another is Barry’s drive and heart to see his family through the tough times. However, it’s this part that hits like a double-edged sword as once again, Wally is the focus. Though whether it’s salvation or death, we’re not sure, but hasn’t the kid been the “damsel in distress” long enough? It’s a bit tiring, at least for me.

Whatever issues the narrative might present, Eaglesham and Atiyeh’s artwork delivers bright and kinetic panels that move the story at a great pace, especially the huge fight sequence in Japan. So if you’re a huge Wally West fan, you might want to see this through. If not, well there’s plenty of other Future State titles to check out over the next few weeks. 2.5/5 – IS

Future State: Harley Quinn #1
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Artist: Simone Dimeo
Colors: Tamra Bonvillian
Letters: ALW’s Troy Peteri
Cover: Derrick Chew

Welcome to Gotham of the future! Part 1 opens with our girl Harley in the middle of a fight that is over all too soon. Tables seem turned as Harley finds herself the apparent patient of Dr. Jonathan Crane; Arkham’s most notorious psychiatrists are back! We briefly see Black Mask and his gang too but they’re just a quick, unexplained blip at the end of the issue. Though the new dynamic between Harley and Crane seems interesting, there were too many details that seemed thrown into the mix because of there being only 2 issues planned and this issue was pretty short. We have some new characters mentioned, primarily the Magistrate, but Phillips doesn’t offer an explanation on who they are. Luckily, the art team seems to help fill in a couple small gaps that the writer leaves unmentioned so be sure to pay attention to all the artistic details! Hopefully Phillips can answer all of our questions and give us more details in the second and final part of our story. 2.5/5 – AC

Future State: The Next Batman #1
Publisher: DC
Writer(s): John Ridley, Brandon Thomas, Paul Jenkins
Artist(s): Nick Derington, Sumit Kumar, Jack Herbert
Colors: Tamra Bonvillain, Gabe Eltaeb
Inks: Sumit Kumar, Raul Fernandez
Letters: Clayton Cowels, Steve Wands, Rob Leigh
Cover: Ladronn

The next chapter in the legacy of the Dark Knight sees a new face under the cowl as we get three separate stories setting the stage for the new era in Gotham. Ridley’s introduction of the new Batman is highlighted by the moody and excellent visuals from Derington and Bonvillain. It’s a great balance of show and tell as Ridley’s narrative is in near perfect synch with the visual storytelling. The spoiling of Batman’s identity by the publisher took a bit of impact of the reveal away, but there’s enough here to entertain and leave you wanting more next issue.

The next story by Brandon Thomas and Sumit Kumar gets us up to speed on the most recent incarnation of The Outsiders. Thomas kills it here but I have to say the standout is the double paged, multi-tiered fight as Katana rips through guards from level to level. Kumar gives us a great display of violence and fluid motion capped off by a great fight sequence that reveals the state of one of the founding Outsiders. Thomas has always displayed a flair for great dialogue and character interactions and that continues here.

The final story centers around Astrid Arkham and her team composed of Arkham’s finest former inmates openly fighting The Magistrate’s forces. Jenkins story shines not only as we see Astrid attempt to liberate these characters, but also in the way she addresses their physical and mental issues. She even succeeds where Batman failed to in galvanizing them to do some good. However, there’s so much being thrown your way here that it gets a little confusing as what the endgame is here. Herbert and Eltaeb’s visuals are bold and detailed while balancing the action and quiet moments in the story. 4/5 – IS

Infinite Speech
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Anna Copp
anna@comicattack.net